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Security check

The central security checkpoint is easily accessible in the centre of Terminal 1, where both passengers and hand baggage are checked. If you wish, you can book a free time slot for the security check with CGNGateWay up to 100 days before departure.

The implementation of security checks is a sovereign task of the federal government and the responsible security authorities, which the airport officially controls. At Cologne Bonn Airport, security checks will continue to be carried out by personnel from a private security service provider.

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Tips for a speedy check

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Please only take one piece of hand baggage with you. The less you have with you, the quicker the check will be.

Key ring, wallet, wristwatch circled in green

Stow small items in your luggage or jacket pocket beforehand.

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Liquids with a capacity of up to 2 litres may remain in your hand luggage.

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Please take off your jackets before the security check. Place your luggage in a tray.

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Laptops and other electronic devices may remain in your hand luggage during security checks.

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Please follow the instructions of the security control staff.

Liquid regulation at Cologne Bonn Airport

The rules are changing because the new security checkpoint has been equipped with state-of-the-art CT scanners. This new technology, approved by the EU, allows for a relaxation of the rules on liquids in hand luggage, as the scanners are able to detect liquids more accurately.

The new rule applies only to facilities equipped with the new CT scanners. As the central security checkpoint at CGN is already equipped exclusively with these devices, the new rules apply in full with immediate effect.

Under the new rules, passengers are permitted to carry leak-proof individual containers holding up to two litres of liquid. The containers no longer need to be packed together in a transparent, resealable bag. Furthermore, all liquids may remain in the bag during security screening.

Passengers may therefore now also take filled water bottles with a maximum capacity of two litres into the security area and on board the aircraft. Liquids in non-spill-proof containers, such as takeaway coffee cups, cannot be screened in the CT scanners and will therefore be refused.

The new rules apply exclusively to the carriage of liquids. All other applicable regulations regarding hand luggage remain in force (e.g. the carriage of prohibited items) and are, in some cases, also determined by the respective airline (e.g. the permitted dimensions or weight of hand luggage).

Items in hand luggage

Allowed

  • Mobile phone, tablet, laptop, camera, accessories
  • Medication and baby food for travelling
  • Liquids, creams and gels in leak-proof containers with a capacity of up to 2 litres
  • (Pocket) umbrella without tip
  • One lighter per person (no Zippo or similar)
  • E cigarettes

Forbidden

  • Weapons and dangerous objects, e.g. firearms, knives with a blade of more than 6 cm, scissors, darts, ski poles
  • Explosive and flammable items such as fireworks, gas cylinders and aerosol cans
  • Liquids in containers
  • Toxic substances
  • Damaged batteries and batteries of certain classes

The decision as to whether an item may be carried lies with the screener.